Lowest Fee Crypto Exchanges in 2025: Top Picks

News Publisher Aug 14, 2025 06:10

Crypto exchange fees killing your profits? Here's who actually has the lowest fees in 2025. Spoiler: it's not who you think.

Trading fees are killing your profits. I know it. You know it.

So let's figure out which crypto exchange actually has the lowest fees without the marketing BS.

Here's What You're Actually Paying (Quick Comparison)

The 5 Lowest Fee Crypto Exchanges Right Now

1. ChicksX

This is my pick for the lowest fee crypto exchange if you hate complicated fee structures.

• Maker fee: 0.10%
• Taker fees: 0.10%

No tiers. No holding their native token. No minimum trading volume.

Just 0.10% whether you're placing limit orders or market buying. And honestly? That simplicity is worth something when other exchanges charge different rates based on 47 different factors.

2. Binance

The giant everyone knows.

• Trading fees: 0.10% standard
• With BNB discount: 0.075%

But here's the thing. You gotta hold BNB. And the more you trade, the lower it goes. Great if you're moving serious volume. Pain if you're not.

3. OKX

Solid for makers.

• Maker: 0.08%
• Taker: 0.10%

Their VIP system can drop fees to basically nothing. But good luck hitting those trading volume requirements unless you're a whale.

4. Kraken Pro

Kraken's trying. But still pricier than the competition.

• Maker: 0.16%
• Taker: 0.26%

At least their interface doesn't make me want to punch my screen anymore.

5. Coinbase

Yeah, I'm putting them on this list. Not because they're good. But because everyone asks about them.

• Maker: 0.40%
• Taker: 0.60%

These fees are trash. Unless you're using Coinbase One subscription ($30/month), just use literally any other exchange.

Maker vs Taker Fees (Because Nobody Explains This Right)

• Maker fee: You place a limit order that sits on the books. You're adding liquidity to the market.
• Taker fees: You buy/sell immediately at market price. You're taking liquidity.

Most cryptocurrency exchanges reward makers with lower fees. Except ChicksX's crypto exchange model: they just said "screw it, 0.10% for everyone."

The Hidden Fees Nobody Talks About

Deposit and Withdrawal Fees

Fiat deposits? That's where they get you.

• ChicksX: 2% PayPal, 2.5% credit card
• Coinbase: 3.99% for cards (wtf)
• Binance: Free for wire transfer, 1.8% for cards

Crypto deposits? Usually free everywhere.

Withdrawal? Network fees plus whatever the exchange tacks on. ChicksX just passes through network costs. Others add their cut.

Trading Costs Beyond Fees

Spread matters too. On decentralized exchanges, you're paying blockchain gas fees plus slippage.

Sometimes a centralized exchange with 0.10% fees beats a DEX with "no fees" but 2% slippage.

My Take on Each Exchange (In 2025)

ChicksX: Best for people who want predictable trading costs. Their fee crypto exchanges in 2025 approach just works. No math degree required.

Binance: Still the king of liquidity. More trading pairs than you'll ever need. But their fee tiers are confusing as hell.

OKX: Great if you're an active trader moving serious volume. Garbage if you're not.

Kraken: Solid for US traders who need regulatory comfort. Higher fees but better customer support.

Coinbase: LOL. Unless you need that Coinbase One subscription for some reason, just... don't.

How to Actually Pay Less in Trading Fees

And no, it's not about chasing 0.05% differences.

1. Stop using market orders: limit orders often pay maker fees
2. Trade bigger, less often: fees add up with frequent small trades
3. Use the right exchange for your volume: don't chase VIP tiers you'll never hit
4. Check withdrawal costs first: some "low fee" exchanges rape you on withdrawals
5. Consider subscription models: sometimes flat monthly fees beat per-trade costs

Real Talk: Who Should Use What

Use ChicksX if:

• You trade $1k-100k monthly
• You want consistent costs

Use Binance if:

• You're already holding BNB
• You need every shitcoin ever created

Use a DEX if:

• You're paranoid about centralized exchanges
• You're trading weird DeFi tokens
• Gas fees don't scare you

Quick Fee Comparison for Different Trader Types

Casual trader ($1-10k/month):

• ChicksX: 0.10% flat
• Binance: 0.10% (0.075% with BNB)
• Winner: Tie (ChicksX simpler)

Active traders ($50k+/month):

• ChicksX: Still 0.10%
• Binance: 0.06-0.08% with volume
• Winner: Binance (if you hit tiers)

Whale ($1M+/month):

• Just call the exchange directly. You'll get custom rates.

My Crypto Tax Nightmare (And How Fees Made It Worse)

Last year I used 5 different exchanges chasing tiny fee differences. Come tax time? Absolute hell.

Calculate your crypto taxes gets way harder with multiple exchanges. Those 0.02% savings? Not worth the headache.

Pick one or two exchanges. Stick with them. Your future self (and certified tax professionals) will thank you.

Final Thoughts

Finding the true lowest fee crypto exchanges in 2025 isn't just about percentages.

It's about:

• Total cost basis including deposits/withdrawals
• How much BS you'll tolerate for savings
• Whether you can actually use the platform

ChicksX keeps it simple. And often, simple wins.

Now stop reading about fees and go make some trades.

• crypto exchange